Pernell Nelson

God saw the road was getting rough and the hills were hard to climb, so he closed your eyelids and whispered "peace be thine". It broke our hearts to lose you, but  you didn't go alone. A part of us went with you the day you were called home.

Pernell departed this life on Friday, April 17, 2026 at the home of Amy Kelly in Lancaster, Virginia. A special friend, caregiver and mother of five of his children.

Pernell was born, in Newport News, Virginia, August 3, 1946 to the late James and Leester Nelson. He was raised by his grandparents, Henry and Levina Goins. He attended the public schools of Middlesex. He confessed Jesus at an early age. He was baptized and joined Grafton Baptist Church.

On June 19, 1969, he married Elva Freeman. They were married 13 years but remained friends and family. He later married Mary Myrick. Pernell  would do all he could for family. 

Pernell was a hard working family man as long as his health prevailed. He was very humorous but could get very serious.

He started his logging business after working at Robinson's Lumber Mill and several others in the area for years. His hobbies were riding his motorcycle, fishing, hunting, singing, playing his guitar and organ, family cookouts and working in his garage.

Pernell was preceded in death by five brothers: George, Charles, Frank, Bill and Stanley Nelson and three sisters: Emma Wright, Dorothy Reddick and Rose Ann.

He leaves to cherish his memory two aunts, Rosie Lee and Cora Burrell of Middlesex; nine children, James Nelson (Jayda) of Southampton, Dennis Nelson of Gloucester, Pernell Nelson, Starr Fate, Whitney and Britney Nelson of Newport News, Maurice Nelson, Jacob Nelson of Middlesex and Deserae Nelson of Louisiana; 12 grandchildren: Monique Morris, Shyhe'd Fate, Jaesaun Fate, London Fate, Khalil Johnson Jr., Mikel Parker, Aloni Hayes, Jaydon Nelson, Payton Nelson, Pernell Nelson III, Kaleb Nelson and Myah Nelson; three great grandchildren: Sincere, Jahmir and Trahquan and a host of nieces and nephews.

Nothing can take away a love the heart holds dear. Those who touch our lives stay in our hearts forever. Greatly loved, deeply missed. Your life was a blessing. Your memory a treasure.

The viewing will be 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, April 24, 2026, at the funeral home, with the family receiving friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 25, 2026 at Grafton Baptist Church, Hartfield. Interment in the church cemetery.

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